McKee is survived by wife Noeleen and children Suzanne, Stephen and Donna.

Jockey Greg Childs, who rode Sunline in 33 races, told racenet.com.au: "Trevor McKee and Sunline made me somebody special. I was a good rider but they elevated me to being somebody special, especially at Moonee Valley but all over Australia and New Zealand.

"Everywhere I go in Australia and New Zealand everyone wants to stop and talk to me about Sunline and Trevor McKee."